Barton Forensics recaps its fall season of tournaments

The Barton Community College Forensics Team had a busy and successful fall semester traveling far and wide from Manhattan, Kan., to Lawton, Okla., Hastings, Neb., and beyond for 18 debate and speech contests. Every competing member of Barton's team received trophies in the Barton/Hutchinson Forensics Rodeo tournament on Barton's campus Nov. 5-7. On the parliamentary debate team, freshman Corrie Henderson, Nickerson, and sophomore Brandi Moral, Ulysses, were novice debate ...

A not-so-beauty pageant

Guest artist recital at Barton features FHSU music instructor

The Barton County Community College music department will host a guest artist recital at 7:30 p.m. Friday, in the Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel, located in the college's Fine Arts Building, F-157. This event is free and open to the public. The recital will feature Dr. Irena Ravitskaya, assistant professor of music at Fort Hays State University. Ravitskaya enjoys a dynamic performing and teaching career that has taken her across ...

Fifth Quarter

Courtesy photo The Great Bend Youth Workers Alliance is sponsoring a free Fifth Quarter this Friday, for all Great Bend middle school and high school students. The event will take place after the Panther basketball games, from 9 p.m. to midnight at Faith Community Church, located at 293 Barton County Road. Video games, basketball, free food and a concert by The Lost Colors, a pop/rock band from Wichita pictured ...

Truck fire

This photo was submitted by Coleen Suchy, who reports the truck caught on fire around 4 p.m. on Thursday, south of Claflin K-156. "The driver said the truck started missing out and then just lost all power. The next thing he knew it was on fire."

Juvenile arrested on felony charges

A 16-year-old male from Great Bend was booked into the Barton County Jail on Thursday on charges of: Felony possession of stolen firearms, conspiracy to distribute meth, conspiracy to distribute stolen firearms, using a telecommunications device for distribution of stolen firearms and meth, burglary of an unoccupied non-dwelling, possession of cocaine, and eight counts of criminal possession of a firearm. He was taken to Reno County Youth Services.

Tire spikes stop fleeing suspect

A Great Bend man was arrested Friday after a pursuit on U.S. 56, Undersheriff Larry Holliday said. The Barton County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to Pawnee Rock at 2:30 p.m. after Chris Ketch, 26, reportedly drove away from a domestic dispute but clipped a family member with his vehicle. Deputies driving to the call met Ketch on the highway. After he passed them, they turned around and gave pursuit. After the ...

Perfect Panthers

CKMC offers meal-planning tips for people with diabetes

When a family member has diabetes, meal planning can be a challenge. After all, diet is a crucial factor in controlling the disease. Since Gloria Siefkes, Central Kansas Medical Center R.N. and diabetes educator, understands this situation, another free evening diabetes class has been scheduled. There will be special emphasis on planning menus. The event is set for 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17 in Room 450 ...

More winter mishaps reported

The Barton County Sheriff's Office received several weather-related calls on Wednesday. A vehicle was in the ditch at NE 10 Ave. and NE 20 Road at 1:49 a.m., and was removed by its owner. A truck was in the ditch at 3408 Railroad Ave. at an unspecified time. Two trucks collided at NE 30 Road and NE 10 Ave., and one slid into the ditch, at 9:24 a.m. It ...

GBHS business students attend conference

A large contingent of Great Bend High School business students traveled to Canton/Galva last weekend to participate in the Future Business Leaders of America district competition.

Kansas twins will share their abuse story Tuesday on Oprah

Kellie and Kathie Henderson, sexual abuse victims and twins from Wichita, will appear on the Oprah Winfrey show at 4 p.m. Tuesday on KWCH-TV, channel 12. The twins traveled to Chicago last week for taping, and the entire show is dedicated to their story. Their story was also reported by Roy Wenzl of the Wichita Eagle, in a series titled "Promise Not to Tell." Kellie Henderson is a student at Barton ...

Central Kansas 9.12 Coalition meeting is Thursday

The next meeting of the Central Kansas 9.12 Coalition has been set for 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Burnside Room, in the Great Bend Recreation Center, 1214 Stone.

Commission recognizes Essex, Monday

Officials from Superior Essex, of Hoisington, will be recognized when the Barton County Commission meets at 9 a.m., Monday, in the courthouse.

Council hears from Army engineers, Monday

A representative from the Army Corps of Engineers will meet with the Great Bend City Council when it gathers at 7:30 p.m., Monday, in the city building.

FBLA Color Run

It's not an official color run, but it promises to be just as much fun according to Great Bend High School Future Business Leaders of America members.

Bison to celebrate 125th

The city of Bison will celebrate its 125th anniversary on Saturday. The festivities will begin by digging up the time capsule at 2 p.m., which was buried near the old City Hall on Main Street during the towns centennial. This will be followed by a firemans water fight between the Bison and Timken volunteer firemen.

Job Fest deemed huge success – laptop winner announced

For the seventh year in a row, local job seekers were given a unique opportunity to network with area employers at the community Job Fest event held May 9th at the Best Western courtyard in Great Bend.

Poppies to honor veterans available

The American Legion Auxiliary will be out this Memorial weekend asking for donations to help with its Poppy Program. Members will be in front of Great Bend businesses with poppies this evening and all day Saturday. They will also be out on Sunday if they still have some of the 3,000 poppies, said Marianne Krallman, cochair of this year's Poppy Program. Look for volunteers in front of Walmart, both Dillon's stores, Orscheln's and True Value ...

Investing in Kids

Darin Johnson presents Connie Oetken, Sunflower Diversified Services director of development, a check for $1,030 for the non-profit agency's Invest in Kids membership club. These proceeds, which will be directed to children with developmental disabilities and delays, represent a portion of a month's invoices at Darin's Auto Repair, Great Bend.

Art on the Hill

Barton Community College's Shafer Gallery will host an opening reception for their annual faculty and staff exhibit from 1-3 p.m. today, which will include additional artwork from an array of local artists and three featured artists.

City Council to discuss pit bull ban

The Great Bend City Council will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the City Office, 1209 Williams. On the agenda are a request to ban pit bulls and other vicious dogs, a lease request at the airport industrial area from National Co Operative Refinery Association and a cereal-malt beverage request for June Jaunt.

Knoblich and Jamieson Recognized by ElderCare, Inc.

Julie Knoblich, Director of Human Resources, Barton Community College and Bernie Jamieson, accountant with Benefits Managements Inc. were recognized for serving six years on the Board of Directors of ElderCare, Inc. Knoblich served as Board chair and Jamieson served as Board Secretary–Treasurer. Janet Splitter, Executive Director of ElderCare, Inc. presented each with a plaque in appreciation of their leadership and counsel guiding the service to older adults. Current members of the Board include: Julie Knoblich, ...

911 computers on commission agenda

The Barton County Commission will meet at 9 a.m. Monday at the Barton County Courthouse, 1400 Main in Great Bend. The agenda includes new computers for the Communications Department (911), dispatcher training and an overview of criminal victims' services.

Kansas 150 1901-1925